Head outside and pedal down a trail or lane during May to celebrate National Bike Month. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is celebrated throughout the United States to showcase all of the benefits of bicycling. Central Florida has numerous bike trails for people to travel for leisure, work commute or to get exercise.

Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, the month celebrates and showcases all the way in which bicycling benefits people, communities and the environment while encouraging more people to try bicycling. The league represents bicyclists in the movement to create safer roads for cyclists, stronger communities and a bicycle-friendly America. By providing information about bicycling, advocating for bicycling in communities and promoting the activity, the League of American Bicyclists exists to celebrate and preserve the enjoyment of bicycling everywhere.

For cyclists who want to join with others during the month, the National Bike Challenge offers an opportunity to unite with others around the country as they attempt to reach their goal. Participants can compete on local, state and national levels. Last year, during the 2nd annual National Bike Challenge, more than 30,000 bikers rode nearly 19 million miles. This year the League of American Bicyclists has set an impressive goal of engaging 50,000 cyclists to ride more than 30 million miles between May 1 and September 30, 2014.

An important event during National Bike Month is Bike to Work Day. This year on Friday, May 9, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will lead bicyclists from Loch Haven Park along the Orlando Urban Trail to City Hall in downtown. Registration for the free event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Mennello Museum of American Art at 900 East Princeton Street. The ride will start at 8:00 a.m. and end when the riders reach their destination. Free coffee, tea, bike tune-ups and commuter benefit information will be provided to participants. To view the flyer for the Orlando Bike to Work Day visit the City of Orlando website.

For more information about the League of American Bicyclists and the National Bike Challenge visit their website.

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Bridget Cohen is passionate about preserving the environment and history. Parks offer opportunities to enjoy the natural world and learn about the past. As a Girl Scout troop leader for 10 years, she planned numerous park visits and enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities.Freelance writing for 30 years, she's published articles in print and online. Bridget holds a B.A. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida. Contact Bridget at Orlandoparks@rocketmail.com.